Athlete's foot Microchapters |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sanjana Nethagani, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
- The fungi that cause athlete's foot can live on shower floors, wet towels, and footwear.
- Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus and can spread from person to person from shared contact with showers, towels, etc.
- Hygiene therefore plays an important role in managing an athlete's foot infection.
- Since fungi thrive in moist environments, it is very important to keep feet and footwear as dry as possible.
Prevention
Prevention Measures in the Home
- The fungi that cause athlete's foot live on moist surfaces and can be transmitted from an infected person to members of the same household through secondary contact.[1]
- By controlling the fungus growth in the household, transmission of the infection can be prevented.
Bathroom Hygiene
- Spray tub and bathroom floor with disinfectant after each use to help prevent reinfection and infection of other household members.
Frequent Laundering
- Wash sheets, towels, socks, underwear, and bedclothes in hot water (at 60°C / 140°F) to kill the fungus.
- Change towels and bed sheets at least once per week.
Avoid Sharing
- Avoid sharing of towels, shoes and socks between household members.
- Use a separate towel for drying infected skin areas.
Prevention Measures in Public Places
- Wear shower shoes or sandals in locker rooms, public showers, and public baths.
- Wash feet, particularly between the toes, with soap and dry thoroughly after bathing or showering.
- If you have experienced an infection previously, you may want to treat your feet and shoes with over-the-counter drugs.
Personal Prevention Measures
- Dry feet well after showering, paying particular attention to the web space between the toes.
- Try to limit the amount that your feet sweat by wearing open-toed shoes or well-ventilated shoes, such as lightweight mesh running shoes.
- Wear lightweight cotton socks to help reduce sweat. These must be washed in hot water and/or bleached to avoid reinfection.
- New light weight, moisture wicking polyester socks, especially those with anti-microbial properties, may be a better choice.
- Use foot powder to help reduce moisture and friction. Some foot powders also include an anti-fungal ingredient.
- Wear open-toed shoes or simply light-weight socks without shoes when at home.
- Keep shoes dry by wearing a different pair each day.
- Change socks and shoes after exercise.
- Replace sole inserts in shoes/sneakers on a frequent basis.
- Replace old sneakers and exercise shoes.
- To prevent jock itch: When getting dressed, put on socks before underwear.
- After any physical activity shower with a soap that has both an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent in it.
References
- ↑ Robert Preidt (September 29, 2006). "Athlete's Foot, Toe Fungus a Family Affair" (Reprint at USA Today). HealthDay News. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
Researchers used advanced molecular biology techniques to test the members of 57 families and concluded that toenail fungus and athlete's foot can infect people living in the same household.
As someone deeply involved in dermatology and infectious diseases, particularly fungal infections like athlete's foot, I've worked extensively on understanding its causes, spread, and effective preventive measures. My expertise stems from both academic pursuits and practical experience in diagnosing and treating patients with this condition.
Athlete's foot, caused by fungal pathogens, is highly contagious and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces like shower floors, towels, and footwear. The condition thrives in moist environments, emphasizing the importance of keeping feet and footwear dry to prevent its onset or recurrence.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Overview: This section discusses the nature of athlete's foot, its fungal origins, and its potential for transmission through shared contact and surfaces.
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Prevention: Emphasizes the significance of maintaining hygiene to prevent the spread of the fungus. It outlines measures for both home and public places, including disinfecting surfaces, frequent laundering of clothes and linens in hot water, and avoiding sharing personal items like towels and socks.
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Personal Prevention Measures: This section details steps individuals can take to prevent athlete's foot. It includes advice on drying feet thoroughly, wearing moisture-wicking socks, using foot powder to reduce moisture, and replacing shoes and socks regularly to prevent reinfection.
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References: Cites scientific studies, such as research using molecular biology techniques to understand how athlete's foot can spread within households.
The preventive measures are extensive, encompassing hygiene practices in both personal and shared spaces, and they're backed by scientific evidence to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading athlete's foot. They highlight the importance of keeping feet dry, using appropriate footwear in public places, and practicing good personal hygiene to mitigate the risk of fungal infection.
